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‘Gentleman and a Scoundrel’ rolls along

Jack Sharkey is not exactly a household name. But if you’re a regular at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, you’re probably familiar with quirky titles such as “Here Lies Jeremy Troy” and “Sorry! Wrong Chimney!”

Indeed, the prolific playwright published more than 80 plays beginning in the 1960s, according to Samuel French Inc., the company that licenses Sharkey’s works. And while his 1973 comedy “A Gentleman and a Scoundrel” feels pretty creaky by today’s standards, Chaffin’s current staging manages to find the funny in this improbable farce.

As the story opens, we meet the mild-mannered Fred Dickson, a likable young products analyst employed by the AEIOU Corp. Desperate to improve his financial situation — and eager to win the heart of the beautiful Jenny Corell — Fred creates a freewheeling alter ego named Rick Loredo and takes a job as his own assistant. It’s a profitable scheme, allowing Fred to pocket two salaries. But things get complicated when Jenny falls for the oh-so-macho Rick and a nosy corporate credit investigator starts asking too many questions.

Bearing all the marks of a 1970s sitcom, the plot is admittedly paper-thin. But director/designer Lydia C. Bushfield manages to keep the action rolling along, with a worthy assist from her hardworking cast.

Steven Kraski pulls double duty as both Fred and Rick, delivering even the goofiest lines with tireless energy and sharp timing. He handles the script’s physical comedy with style, easily switching gears between characters as he navigates everything from fake mustaches to ill-fitting cowboy boots.

Corrie Miller has a tougher job as Jenny — a normally strong, liberated woman who dissolves into a puddle of mush whenever she’s around Rick. But she and Kraski share a nice chemistry, hitting all the comedic high notes with ease.

Chaffin’s favorite Debbie Kraski rounds things out as the prying Ms. Pronker, a financial investigator who’s not all that she seems. It’s interesting to note that Ms. Pronker is normally played by a man, but Debbie Kraski makes the role her own — scoring steady laughs and clearly enjoying her time onstage with real-life son Steven.

Bushfield’s vintage costumes are great fun, with plenty of wide lapels and polyester patterns. And together with John Chaffin, she has designed the perfect ’70s bachelor pad, which nicely reflects Fred’s suddenly improved financial status.

The far-out conclusion is just as silly as the setup. But thanks to the efforts of this seasoned ensemble, there are plenty of laughs along the way.